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mattimatt · 10-01-2006, 11:44 AM

When I first read about the new Sony Reader about to hit the market using an e-ink technology, I was ecstatic. Finally I would be able to buy a reading device with a large enough screen and without any screen flicker. The only problem I could foresee is Sony’s love of DRM and dividing the planet up into zones of sale (thus probably devising a scheme to stop European consumers from buying books from the US).

I started reading web articles about the new device and about the E-ink technology. When browsing the web I discovered the Iliad, another E-ink Reader promising almost nothing but having a great potential. The price tag spoke heavily against the Iliad but Sony’s proprietary way of delivering content, how Sony announces release dates to build expectations and recants some weeks later, and the announcement from Sony regarding sales outside of the US helped me make my mind regarding what to buy.

IRex’s enthusiasm does not bother me as much as does Sony’s sales policy and erroneous statements regarding release date. I am totally happy using my Iliad Reader. Currently it does not show the battery status nor am I able to get the keyboard working but frankly I do not care. I know that I can send the device to the Netherlands via UPS for a repair if needed and I can read a pBook in the meantime.

I download content from Manybooks and I buy books for a Reader program that I have installed on my PC. I use a converter to change the books into html’s which I print as PDF’s and read them blissfully on my Iliad. I used to read books on my Palm Tungsten C making the Iliad a dream come true.

I understand and sympathize with those who are not happy with their Iliad for any reason. Some perhaps live in the US and really wanted a Sony Reader but lacked patience and faith in Sony’s announcements. Others perhaps really wanted a cool gadget they could hack and reprogram. Still others are waiting for the 20 hour reading experience.

None of the above is an issue for me regarding a reading device. I simply can not read for 20 hours at a time. I have work and family and I’m not traveling to Hong Kong anytime soon. My programming needs are met at work and instead of declaring the grapes sour and saying that I’m not interested in the Sony Reader I will state the obvious fact. E.g. I do not live in the US so for me the Sony Reader is a dud in the water.

10-01-2006, 11:44 AM	#1
mattimatt Vits er þörf Posts: 8 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Iceland Device: Kindle 3, Bookeen Gen3, iLiad	Why I like the Iliad When I first read about the new Sony Reader about to hit the market using an e-ink technology, I was ecstatic. Finally I would be able to buy a reading device with a large enough screen and without any screen flicker. The only problem I could foresee is Sony’s love of DRM and dividing the planet up into zones of sale (thus probably devising a scheme to stop European consumers from buying books from the US). I started reading web articles about the new device and about the E-ink technology. When browsing the web I discovered the Iliad, another E-ink Reader promising almost nothing but having a great potential. The price tag spoke heavily against the Iliad but Sony’s proprietary way of delivering content, how Sony announces release dates to build expectations and recants some weeks later, and the announcement from Sony regarding sales outside of the US helped me make my mind regarding what to buy. IRex’s enthusiasm does not bother me as much as does Sony’s sales policy and erroneous statements regarding release date. I am totally happy using my Iliad Reader. Currently it does not show the battery status nor am I able to get the keyboard working but frankly I do not care. I know that I can send the device to the Netherlands via UPS for a repair if needed and I can read a pBook in the meantime. I download content from Manybooks and I buy books for a Reader program that I have installed on my PC. I use a converter to change the books into html’s which I print as PDF’s and read them blissfully on my Iliad. I used to read books on my Palm Tungsten C making the Iliad a dream come true. I understand and sympathize with those who are not happy with their Iliad for any reason. Some perhaps live in the US and really wanted a Sony Reader but lacked patience and faith in Sony’s announcements. Others perhaps really wanted a cool gadget they could hack and reprogram. Still others are waiting for the 20 hour reading experience. None of the above is an issue for me regarding a reading device. I simply can not read for 20 hours at a time. I have work and family and I’m not traveling to Hong Kong anytime soon. My programming needs are met at work and instead of declaring the grapes sour and saying that I’m not interested in the Sony Reader I will state the obvious fact. E.g. I do not live in the US so for me the Sony Reader is a dud in the water.